Members from Our Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence in Greenville, a 501c3 that works that bridge the gap between the LGBTQIA+ and straight communities in the Upstate, shows support for the Drag Queen Story Hour event at Five Forks library on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Elizabeth LaFleur/Staff

Drag Queen story hour was scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. at Five Forks library on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Protesters and counter-protesters continue to chant and sing outside the event. Elizabeth LaFleur/Staff

Pastor Mark Burns speaks to protesters gathered outside Drag Queen Story Hour at Five Forks Branch Library Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Behind him are counter-protestors who gathered in support of the event. SABRINA SCHAEFFER/Staff

In a statement released Friday, deputies said the following restrictions would be in place Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The restrictions follow multiple threats made on social media, according to the release.

There will be no bags of any kind allowed on the property of the library.

Anyone wishing to assemble must use the designated areas in the parking lot in an effort to not block or interfere with library patrons.

No parking on Woodruff Road, Sunnydale Drive or Dusty Lane. Deputies and Troopers from the Highway Patrol will be providing traffic control and enforcement.

Only residents of McRae place will be allowed on Sunnydale Drive (beyond the library)

No weapons of any kind will be allowed on the library’s property.

The Drag Queen Story Hour, which is to involve four drag queens reading stories to children, was first announced in late January and quickly met with a petition and a protest planned for the same time.

In the weeks since, both the event and protest have garnered support from thousands of people around the Upstate community.

Both events are scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. with the Drag Queen Story Hour inside the library and the protest and a counter-protest planned in the parking lot.

11:53 a.m.
Greenville County deputies have Sunnydale Drive blocked ahead of the event and protests and the library parking lot of roped off with police tape. A few participants were gathering in a parking lot across the street just before noon.

A group of counter-protesters have gathered in the parking lot of a shopping center across the street from the library. The group is largely made up of members of the Greenville Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, an Upstate group that aims to bridge the divide between the LGBTQIA+ and straight communities in the area.

"We are here because we believe that a certain portion of the community has tried to hijack this event as something that is predatory or discriminatory or pushing an agenda," said a member of the group who provided the name Evelyn Tensions. "The only agenda is entertainment and having family friendly events that people can bring their children to."

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Members from Our Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence in Greenville, a 501c3 that works that bridge the gap between the LGBTQIA+ and straight communities in the Upstate, shows support for the Drag Queen Story Hour event at Five Forks library on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019.(Photo: Elizabeth LaFleur/Staff)

The counter-protesters were joined in the parking lot by members of the South Carolina Lightfoot Militia, a group that claimed not to be choosing a side at the protests but showed up to ensure everyone's first-amendment rights are protected. The Lightfoot Militia is made up of members from across the state.

1:10 p.m.

Protesters have begun to gather near the counter-protesters in the shopping center parking lot across from the library. Protesters are singing hymns and reciting Bible verses. Greenville County Sheriff's Office deputies have created space between the two groups.

The Greenville County bomb squad was doing a sweep of the building around 1 p.m., and no one was allowed into the library parking lot before the library opening.

2 p.m.

Dozens of protesters continued to rally in a parking lot across from the Five Forks branch of the Greenville County Library System as library patrons began filing across the street to attend the Drag Queen Story Hour Event.

Metal barricades marked a path for foot traffic through the library parking lot, and at least a dozen deputies gathered around the parking lot to answer questions and guide patrons.

Other deputies remained across the street where a boundary a few yards wide was being kept between protesters and counter protesters.

The Drag Queen Story Hour and a protest it has spurred are to begin now.

When trying to enter the library, a reporter for The Greenville News was told no media would be allowed inside by Greenville County Sheriff's Office deputies who claimed to be enforcing library policy.

The policy, as found on the Greenville County Library website, states a restriction on video recording inside the library but does not attempt to establish policy for barring media access to the public facility. The reporter made it clear that she did not have photography equipment with her while trying to enter the building.

Protesters and counter-protesters across the street from the event have continued to exchange chants and songs while the library is at capacity and a long line of people wait for a chance to get inside.

3:35 p.m.

Amanda Howard of Greenville brought her children to the event. She said it was as described — drag queens reading stories to children.

Marc Gwinn, who attended the first half-hour of the event, said everyone inside the library was respectful. He said there were three drag queens who each chose one story to read. He said those in attendance were asked to leave after about half an hour so others in line could enter. The room where the event is being held was at capacity, officials said.

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Drag Queen story hour was scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. at Five Forks library on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Protesters and counter-protesters continue to chant and sing outside the event.(Photo: Elizabeth LaFleur/Staff)